Food rescue is the heart of Food For Free’s work. By recapturing fresh food that might otherwise be discarded, we reduce food waste while guaranteeing access to fresh produce and healthy meals for emergency food programs and individuals in need.
Our Produce Rescueprogram prioritizes fresh fruits and vegetables, ensuring we address not only hunger, but also nutrition, obesity, and diet-related disease.
Our Prepared Food Rescueprogram captures nutritious, healthy prepared foods, supplementing the work of Produce Rescue by reaching those that lack the space or ability to cook their own meals.

Receiving food for your food program:
Is your pantry, meal program, or shelter interested in receiving food from Food For Free? Complete an Application.Donating food:Contact us to find out how to donate food.
Food For Free collects fresh and prepared foods from many sources:

Wholesale distributors

Grocery stores

Farms

Farmers' Markets

CSA distribution sites

Bakeries and other retailers

Universities

We can also pick up food from your

Can drive

Catered event

Restaurant

We collect donations of:

Fruit

Vegetables

Bread and baked goods

Dairy products

Prepared foods

Frozen meat

Purchasing for the Cambridge Food Pantry Network
For pantries within the Cambridge Food Pantry Network, Food For Free is able to supplement the produce we salvage with purchased produce. The funding for the purchases themselves comes from the City of Cambridge City Food Fund.
Food For Free does a limited amount of purchasing produce for other food programs as well.